Crime Victim Resource Directory

The City Attorney’s Office has a duty to ensure that the rights of crime victims outlined under RCW 7.69.030 are upheld throughout the judicial process.

Arraignment – At arraignment, defendants are apprised of their rights in a criminal case and of the charges against them for the first time. At the arraignment hearing the judge may also make a finding of probable cause and set bail and other conditions of release.

Domestic Violence (DV) – Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, or technological actions or threats of actions or other patterns of coercive behavior that influence another person within an intimate partner relationship.

Prosecutor – a lawyer who conducts the case against a defendant in a criminal court. The prosecutor represents the government, not individual victims.

No Contact Order (NCO) – a court-issued order that prohibits a person from contacting a victim or witness in a criminal case. The purpose of an NCO is to protect the victim from further harm, harassment or intimidation.

In Washington State, a judge can issue an NCO when a person is charged with a crime, including domestic violence. The order can be in place for the duration of the court case. NCOs can be issued even if the victim or witness objects. 

Diversion – A City of Vancouver program which offers an alternative to traditional prosecution – allowing first-time offenders with minimal criminal history to avoid a criminal conviction by participating in treatment, staying crime-free and paying restitution to victims. 

Victim Impact Statement – Crime victims have a right to submit a Victim Impact Statement. In Washington, the Crime Victim Bill of Rights (RCW 7.69.030) defines victim impact statements. They are an essential right that provide victims voices in the criminal justice system. In victim impact statements, victims can share how the crime has affected them with both the court and the offender in their own words.

Therapeutic Courts – Certain offenders who have significant substance use addictions or mental health diagnoses may qualify for therapeutic courts. These courts require regular treatment instead of traditional punishment and may allow an offender to avoid a conviction or additional jail time.

The arraignment is the first formal court appearance for the criminal case. At arraignment, the Judge will inform the defendant of the charges against them and they will be required to enter a plea. The judge may also appoint a defense attorney, make a finding of probable cause and set bail and other conditions of release. At completion of Arraignment, the court will next set a pre-trial hearing.

A Victim Impact Statement is a written statement from a crime victim to the court, describing how the crime has impacted them. (This statement is provided to the defendant and his or her attorney). This can include information about the physical, emotional, psychological, or financial impacts; how the crime has affected the victim’s life, work, or relationships. This is also an opportunity to let the court know what the victim thinks should happen to the defendant.

Download a Victim Impact Statement form. Once completed, the statement can be emailed to city.attorneyemails@cityofvancouver.us or mailed to:

City Attorney
PO Box 1995
Vancouver, WA 98660

A protection order (a type of restraining order) is a court order that the petitioner (you) can request to be filed against another person (“respondent”) who is committing harm against you. This order is issued by a judge and is meant to protect you from the other person.

You can visit Washington State Courts – Court Forms – List of All Forms to learn more about protection orders and find downloadable copies of forms to help in filing your request for a Protection Order.

If you have received a subpoena to appear in court for trial, you can check the status of the trial at: Trial Search | Vancouver City ePortal. Please check trial status one week prior to the trial date and again the morning of trial to determine if your attendance is still needed.

The timeline of a criminal case is as follows. View details of each step in the timeline.

• Reporting
• Investigation
• Arraignment
• Pre-trial hearing
• Change of plea
• Set for trial
• Trial
  • Jury selection
  • Opening statements
  • Presentation of the prosecutor’s case, defense case and rebuttal
  • Closing arguments
  • Jury instructions
  • Deliberations and verdict
• Sentencing
• Restitution hearing

VINE

877-846-3492

VINE is a free, secure and confidential way to access custody status and criminal case information. Victims can register for notifications by email, call or text.

Clark County Jail Roster

The Clark County jail roster is updated twice daily and shouldn’t be relied upon for the most up to date custody status information. By clicking on a defendant’s name, a victim can view any upcoming court dates, bail amount imposed as part of release conditions, and if a release date has been scheduled. Inquiries can also be made by phone at: 564-397-4996.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Victims can access an interactive guide to safety planning by entering information into an online form. It is necessary to advise victims that they should only access this resource if they are certain that their devise is not being monitored by their perpetrator. If it is not safe for them to enter information they can still read through the safety plan and think about their answers.

YWCA SafeChoice Domestic Violence Program

360-696-0167

The Y is a community-based agency whose advocates hold confidentiality. They utilize an empowerment-based model to support victims in achieving their goals. Y advocates can help with safety planning, educating about the cycle of violence, provide 24-hour crisis services through their hotline, hold a virtual support group and operate the only domestic violence shelter in Clark County. They also operate a rapid rehousing program and are the recipients of grant funding to support victims in transitional housing, but it is limited and can only be accessed by engaging with a Y advocate.

Crime Victim Compensation Program (CVC)

360-902-5355

CVC acts as a secondary payer to healthcare insurance to help cover the costs of medical/dental treatment, medication, mental health treatment, grief counseling, partial wage loss replacement, funeral expenses and expenses not covered by other insurance like deductibles. To qualify, a person must have sustained a physical injury or mental health trauma as a result of a gross misdemeanor or felony crime in Washington State and submit a timely application and file a report with law enforcement.

Can the victim drop the charges?

No. Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges within the City limits are brought by the City of Vancouver. The victim in a domestic violence case can not drop the charges. Prosecutors will consider the wishes of victims but ultimately the decision whether to proceed with a case will be made by the assigned prosecutor. If you wish to provide input on the resolution of the case please contact the prosecutor as soon as possible or put this information in the victim impact statement (with the understanding that the victim impact statement is provided to the defendant and defense attorney).

How do no contact orders work in domestic violence cases?

The prosecutor will usually ask the judge for an order prohibiting the defendant from having contact with the victim in a domestic violence case. If granted, this order will set forth in writing what restrictions the defendant must follow while the order is in place.

Can the victim ask the court to rescind the no contact order?

The court allows victims to file a motion to rescind the no contact order. This can be done at district court administration.

How do I get a protection order independent of a criminal case?

You can file a protection order with Clark County court.  You can contact the court for a form.  Information and forms are also available on the state court website: Washington State Courts – Court Forms.